Winds of Change
Exercise Question
Questions within the Lesson
Exercise Question
Check Your Understanding
I. Work in pairs to complete the table on pankha. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Ans:-
Critical Reflection
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Over time, pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes. They were considered exotic and stylish. Although there was substantial commonality in their use across India, different villages and towns developed their own varieties of traditional pankhas. Each place developed pankhas with distinct materials or a variety of intricate designs, that set them apart from one another.
(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Pankhas were one of the most popular items of commerce.
Ans:- True.
(ii) Why has the word ‘traditional’ been used to describe pankhas?
Ans:- The word ‘traditional’ is used because pankhas were made and used in different villages and towns for a long time.
(iii) Complete the following statement.
The sentence ‘They were considered exotic and stylish’ is an opinion and not a fact because ____________.
Ans:- because it shows a personal belief or feeling, not a proven fact.
(iv) Infer one reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India.
Ans:- One reason is that pankhas were commonly used by people across India for similar purposes.
(v) Select which one of the two statements is the correct assertion for the given reason.
Reason: Pankhas were made of indigenous materials, unique to the region, with elaborate designs.
A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.
B. Pankhas were used by many people.
Ans:- A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.
(I) 2. With time and the advent of technology and innovative creations, the beautiful culture of pankhas runs the risk of slowly losing its presence among Indians. Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business and now provides some form of livelihood to India’s artisans. The slight increase in popularity and demand is significantly factored by the different versions of the pankha being crafted.
(i) Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on pankha.
Ans:-The use of pankhas is decreasing and they are slowly losing their presence among Indians.
(ii) Complete the statement with an appropriate reason.
The writer refers to ‘pankhas’ not just as an object but as a ‘culture’ because ___________.
Ans:- because they are connected with traditions, art, and the lifestyle of people.
(iii) Select a line from the extract which depicts how the role of the pankha has changed over the years.
Ans:- “Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.”
(iv) List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.
Ans:- It provides livelihood and income to artisans.
(v) Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.
A. cultural preservation
B. economic demand
C. technological advancements
D. artisan initiative
Ans:- B. economic demand
II Answer the following questions.
1. How does the title ‘Winds of Change’ capture the essence of the chapter?
Ans:- The title shows the changes in the use and importance of pankhas over time. Earlier, they were used for personal and daily purposes, but now they are mostly decorative and commercial items. It also shows how technology and new designs have changed this traditional craft.
2. Support the following statement with any two relevant examples from the chapter.
‘The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.’
Ans:-
1.First, the appliqué and zardozi hand fans of Rajasthan show the region’s rich embroidery and decorative art.
2.Second, the mirror work and bead hand fans of Gujarat show the traditional craft and style of that region.
3. The chapter mentions pankhas running the risk of slowly losing their presence among Indians. Evaluate how the balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs in the creation of pankhas will help in this regard.
Ans:- A balance will help by keeping the traditional art alive while making pankhas useful and attractive in modern times. Traditional designs will preserve culture, and new designs will increase demand and popularity.
4. How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?
Ans:- These workshops help spread awareness and teach people the art of making pankhas. They also give artisans a chance to show their skills and keep the craft alive.
5. The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.
Ans:- Celebrating pankhas will increase their popularity and demand. It will provide better income and support to artisans and help in preserving the craft.
6. How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?
Ans:- It shows that pankhas are no longer used in daily life but are now valued as decorative and cultural items. Their role has changed from practical use to artistic and traditional importance.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Read the following pairs of words from the text.
1. Classify the pairs of words given above in the following categories. One example has been done for you.
Ans:-
Now, find more such word pairs from the text and share them with your classmates and teacher
Ans:-
1. bamboo and cane
2. silk and brass
3. beads and stones
4. grass and metal
5. temples and royal courts
6. shapes and patterns
7. cultures and traditions
II Find the word pairs for the following fixed expressions. Write the meanings of these expressions by selecting them from the box given below. One example has been done for you.
Ans:-
Now, match the following meanings with the correct word pairs created above.
Ans:-
(i) in a difficult situation, without help or money – high and dry
(ii) the damage to object due to normal use – wear and tear
(iii) accurate and detailed information – facts and figures
(iv) even when there are problems or difficulties – through thick and thin
(v) everyone, not just a few special people – all and sundry
(vi) often; on many or all occasions – time and again
(vii) to make a quick or sudden escape – cut and run
III. 1. Choose the appropriate word collocations for the following sentences:
(i) The students have to (take/give) the English exam tomorrow.
Ans:- take
(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to (take/have) a seat.
Ans:- have
(iii) My scooter (dashed against/ran into) a car.
Ans:- ran into
(iv) I must (take/own) responsibility for my success.
Ans:- take
(v) I would like to (tone up/improve) my grammar.
Ans:- improve
IV. Read the following sentences. Underline the verbs:
1. In modern times, pankhas have become traditional craft items in India.
2. Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making.
3. Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft.
4. Once made for personal use, this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.
Now, fill in the blanks with the present perfect form of verbs in the following paragraph. One example has been done for you.
Puppets have long fascinated (fascinate) audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) have created (create) intricate characters and captivating stories with their skillful artistry. They
(ii) have mastered (master) the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining both children and adults. Over the years, puppetry
(iii) has evolved (evolve), using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques. Many puppeteers
(iv) have passed (pass) down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity. They
(v) have performed (perform) in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.
Writing Task
I Describe an artefact you have made in your craft class or learnt from someone.
Begin with collection and organisation of the facts with the help of the pointers given above. Do not include your opinion in the factual description.
Ans:-A paper hand fan is a simple artefact made in craft class. It is light in weight and semi-circular in shape. It is made from coloured paper, glue, and a small wooden stick. First, the paper is folded in a zigzag manner to make pleats. Then, one end is fixed with glue to give it the shape of a fan. After that, a stick is attached at the base to hold it properly. Sometimes, it is decorated with simple designs or colours. This type of fan has been traditionally used for creating a cool breeze and is easy to carry and use.
Questions within the Lesson
NCERT Intext Questions for Class 9 English (Page no – 69 & 70)
Reflect and Respond
I. Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of?
Ans: – Yes, people in my family use a hand fan. It is called a pankha in our language. It is made of materials like palm leaves, bamboo, or grass.
II Work in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Ans:-
III Work in pairs. Match the underlined words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2 given on the next page. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
I visited the crafts fair yesterday. It was a wonderful experience. Each indigenous artefact was an
innovative creation of industrious craftspersons with its intricate design. It invoked a sense of respect
for the initiatives taken by the government to showcase them.
Ans:-
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